title: Comparison of therapist implemented and iPad-assisted interventions for children with autism.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study compares intervention delivered by a therapist to intervention delivered using an iPad for two children with autism. Further, this study evaluates the influence of choice between the conditions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Time on-task, challenging behaviour, session duration and correct responses were compared across conditions in an alternating treatment design. The effect of choice was evaluated in an ABAB design.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The iPad was associated with shorter intervention sessions, more time on-task and less challenging behaviour for one participant. There was no difference between conditions for the second participant. Both participants selected the iPad when given the choice and, although the effect of choice was modest, choosing was associated with more time on-task and less challenging behaviour.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data suggest that iPad-assisted intervention can be as effective as therapist-implemented intervention. Further, even for children for whom no differences between the interventions exist, offering a choice may be beneficial.
authors.affiliation: Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Clinic for Autism Research Evaluation and Support, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA .
authors.forename: Allyson
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Russell
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.forename: Katy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Davenport
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Mandy
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rispoli
authors.forename: Larah
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: van der Meer
authors.forename: Amarie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Carnett
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Raulston
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tostanoski
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chung
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Autism; computer; iPad; intervention